He said: "I'm please today that we're announcing once again that we're holding our regulated natural gas prices. This represents an effective two-year price freeze of our natural gas tariffs up to April next year for our home and business customers.

Mr Wheeler added that the company has been able to introduce price stability to the natural gas market in Northern Ireland by utilising its expert knowledge of the wholesale market since purchasing Phoenix Supply in June 2012.

He concluded, adding: "Today's announcement demonstrates how we're passing on the benefits of that scale and expertise to help smooth the impact of price movements on customers' bills."